INQUIRER: A “vicious and cowardly attack” at a West Philadelphia playground last night left two men dead and three others in critical condition, Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross said at a morning news conference. At about 10:30 p.m., two men in hoodies started firing as trophies were being presented after the championship game of a youth basketball league at McAlpin Playground, 36th and Aspen Streets, in the city’s Mantua section. At least 15 shots were fired.
The organizer of the league – Miles Mack, 42, of the 3400 block of Spring Garden Street – was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he died of his wounds at 10:44 p.m. “Mr. Mack obviously lost his life trying to sponsor some constructive activity for young people, and that’s what makes this even more unfortunate,” Ross said. Pronounced dead at the scene was Darren Hankins, 19, of the 4700 block of North 11th Street. Hankins may have been the intended target, Ross said. Three other men, ranging in age from 20 to 45, were taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Initially, one was in critical condition, the other two critical but stable. MORE